Let me tell you a story.

Once upon a time where was a girl name Amanda, who was in love with this boy Joe.

After a few years of dating, Joe proposed to Amanda and plans for a big white wedding were under way.

It was all love and hearts and rainbows, exactly what you expect as you plan your journey to the alter.

But then….”C” showed up.  “C” is cancer.

Joe was diagnosed with colon cancer two days before his 28th birthday…and two months before their wedding.  You can read more about their journey here: Cocktails and Chemo.  (She’s been a little busy lately to update…)

Long story short, they got all the cancer out…they had the most amazing wedding ever….and Joe’s been very healthy.

Then Joe’s father died, of colon cancer.

It was a heartbreaking experience for everyone…I can’t imagine having to go through that.  I was a wreck about the whole situation, and I wasn’t even really that close to the whole family.

But with death, comes new life.  Amanda and Joe just found out…they are having a baby!!!  It’s still fairly early in her pregnancy, but I think they just wanted everyone to finally be able to share some good news…so everyone knows.  (I’m not spilling any beans here!!!)

The celebration, however, is being overshadowed once again by the “C” word.  Joe just learned that a lymph node is causing concern amongst doctors and is cancerous.  Thankfully, it was caught super-early.  Doctors are positive they can remove the cancer.  All of this requires a trip to MD Anderson Houston.

So while Amanda is baking a baby, she’s dealing with the stress of all the cancer news…and now having to figure out how to move (oh yeah, they are moving in the middle of this) while she plans all this stuff in Houston…away from family and friends.

Insurance will cover the hospital costs…but just imagine all the other costs with this.  Airfare, hotel, rental cars, food…and who knows what else.

In times like this, I just turn into a fixer.  I want to fix it all for them, but I know it’s not something I’m in control of.

But I’m trying to help…and if you want to help, we’ve set up a way.

Check out this website for donations.  We are also setting up some fundraisers and perhaps some crazy giveaways.  We’ll think of something. Ideas are welcome and I know that Amanda and Joe really, really appreciate all the happy thoughts, kind words and any help you can provide.

This is Joe. He’s a survivor…just like Beyonce.